Abstract

Advances in organic electronics are limited by the need for materials that effectively conduct both electrons and ions while also meeting other design criteria (cheap, flexible, stable, etc.) Conducting polymers are exciting candidates for platforms requiring mixed ionic-electronic conduction as they have a wide range of possibilities due to the ability to synthetically control the monomer unit. However, it is difficult to predict how the monomer properties influence the polymer film properties. In order to make functional materials, we need to better understand how the properties of the monomer (size, shape, functional groups, frontier orbital energies) will influence the resulting polymer. In this work we describe the electropolymerization and electrodeposition of poly(3-dodecylthiophene) (P3DDT), building on similar examinations of poly(3-hexylthiophene). We show that P3DDT can be electropolymerized and electrodeposited onto an ITO substrate. Correlations between the charge passed during electrodeposition and the resulting film properties (amount of electroactive polymer and polymer film morphology) are discussed. The information gained from this work provides information necessary for the design of future functional materials.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 11-30-2020

Mentor

Judith L. Jenkins

Mentor Department Affiliation

Chemistry

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Chemistry

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